During the 20 mile ride to Cleveland Clinic. I was way beyond scared. The enormous thyroid pressed heavily against my windpipe. I could be heard struggling for breath. Placed in an intensive care bed, I was way beyond terrified. Then I was surrounded by warmth and caring. Kindness and compassion made me feel - Safe!

In the operating room I drifted off to sleep like a baby down for an afternoon nap.

Phenomenal expertise, skill and stamina saved my life! I awoke to breathe, relax, smile, walk, eat, drink, live and love!

I stood before the mirror admiring my normal neck. Feeling like a swan, not missing at all the thick, ugly, lumpy neck. The feat that had gripped me for a lifetime was gone. I was free!

News of a large cyst in my right side brought back terror, temporarily. Panic attacks shook my very being. Again caring professionals helped to restore my confidence and my health. Problems long ignored are solved.

Slowly but steadily my excess weight melts one small bit at a time.

I am becoming healthy! How I thank God for the Cleveland Clinic and the compassionate professionals who helped to give me back my health!

With his help I will be there for my mom, learn new skills, pass along caring and kindness to others, love, teach, learn, write, travel, live, achieve some major goals.

See you at church, on the job, and on the go!

With love,

Jackie "The Swan"